EMMETT COHEN

Emmet Cohen is committed to the intergenerational transfer of artistic knowledge, history, and traditions. His signature professional undertaking is the “Masters Legacy Series,” a celebratory set of recordings and interviews honoring legendary jazz musicians. He serves as both producer and pianist for each album in the series. The goal of this landmark, ongoing project is to provide musicians of multiple generations a forum to transfer the unwritten folklore that is America’s unique musical idiom.  Cohen has observed that playing jazz “is enriched immeasurably by connecting and studying with jazz masters, forging backward to the very creation of the art form.” Volume one of the “Masters Legacy Series” features drummer Jimmy Cobb, and volume two spotlights bassist Ron Carter. Future “Masters Legacy Series” releases will include Cohen’s recordings with Benny Golson, Tootie Heath, and George Coleman.

Cover: $20.00 – $45.00 + $3.50 fee

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MIKE CLARK, DAVE STRYKER, MIKE LEDONNE, ROB DIXON

A exhilarating jazz filled collaboration with drummer Mike Clark, guitarist Dave Stryker, organist Mike LeDonne, and saxophonist Rob Dixon. A night with original and fan favorite compositions, this swinging ensemble will get your toes tappin’ and fingers snappin’ with exceptional musicianship and innovation.

Mike Clark is a legendary drummer known for his innovative rhythmic approach and his contributions to jazz fusion and hip hop. His drumming is characterized by its intricate and syncopated rhythms, and he has influenced countless drummers. He was a key member of Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters band, which pioneered the jazz fusion genre. His rhythmic innovations were heavily sampled by hip-hop artists, and his influence continues to be felt today.

Dave Stryker is a renowned jazz guitarist known for his soulful playing and versatility. With a long career and numerous collaborations, he consistently delivers captivating performances that showcase his mastery of the instrument. If you appreciate great music and want to experience a truly unforgettable live show, seeing Dave Stryker is highly recommended.

Pianist/Organist Mike LeDonne is an internationally renowned pianist and organist with the unique experience of having played with a wide spectrum of jazz masters from Benny Goodman to Milt Jackson, Ron Carter and Sonny Rollins. With his impressive technique and ability to blend different styles, he consistently delivers captivating performances. He has won praise not only from critics but from master musicians: Oscar Peterson picked him as one of his favorite pianists of today.

Saxophonist Rob Dixon’s music is a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation. He quickly made a name for himself in New York City, collaborating with jazz legends like Count Basie, Tony Bennett, and Duke Ellington. Now Naptown bound and dubbed the Musical Mayor of Indianapolis, Dixon continues to push boundaries and inspire audiences worldwide with his unique blend of jazz and contemporary sounds.

Tickets: $20.00 – $40.00 + $3.50 fee

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STEVE FEIFKE

Celebrating the release of their 2nd album, The Role Of The Rhythm Section, Vol. 2 

Steven Feifke is a GRAMMY Award winning bandleader, composer, and arranger. A Yamaha Performing Artist, an Avid Sibelius Artist, and has appeared on over 45 albums to date. He has written music for hit TV shows like The Masked Singer, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, Impractical Jokers, Animaniacs, and many world class big bands and orchestras around the globe.

Berklee College Of Music hired him as a professor of Harmony and Jazz Composition, and he has also been invited to give guest lectures and Artist in Residencies at institutions such as Yale University, Jazz At Lincoln Center, New York University, UT Austin, Northern Illinois University, and more.

The Trio:
Steven Feifke – Piano
Dan Chmielinski – Bass
Bryan Carter – Drums

Tickets: $25.00~$35.00

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The Jazz Voyager

The coast to coast flight has the Jazz Voyager sleeping on the red eye heading east for a taste of jazz in the town where the tea party took place, Beantown as some call it or Boston, Massachusetts. The venue is Scullers Jazz Club and it has a small stage  where jazz and soul legends as well as new talent perform in this intimate supper club with a background of river views.

This week I’ll be in the company of pianist, composer and arranger Jon Cowherd who is best known as the co-founder and co-director of Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band. He has worked extensively as an arranger, producer, songwriter and accompanist with a vast range of artists, such as Cassandra Wilson, John Scofield and Lizz Wright to Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlile, Rosanne Cash, Norah Jones, Glen Hansard and more.

Scullers Jazz Club is located at 400 Soldiers Field Road 02134. For more information visit https://scullersjazz.com.

CALIFORNIA JAZZ FOUNDATION

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NDUDUZO MAKHATHINI

Nduduzo Makhathini grew up in the lush and rugged hillscapes of umGungundlovu in South Africa, a peri-urban landscape in which music and ritual practices were symbiotically linked. The area is significant historically as the site of the Zulu king Dingane kingdom between 1828 and 1840. It is important to note that the Zulu, in fact the African warrior code, is deeply reliant on music for motivation and healing. This deeply embedded symbiosis is key to understanding Makhathini’s vision.

The church also played a role in Makhathini’s musical understanding, as he hopped from church to church in his younger days in search of only the music. The legends of South African jazz are deep influences as well, Bheki Mseleku, Moses Molelekwa, and Abdullah Ibrahim. “The earlier musicians put a lot of emotions in the music they played,” he says. “I think it may also be linked to the political climate of those days. I also feel there is a uniqueness about South African jazz that created an interest all around the world and we are slowly losing that too in our music today. I personally feel that our generation has to be very conscious about retaining these nuances in the music we play today.”

Through his mentor Mseleku, Makhathini was also introduced to the music of John Coltrane’s classic quartet with McCoy Tyner. “I came to understand my voice as a pianist through John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme,” he says. “As someone who started playing jazz very late, I had always been looking for a kind of playing that could mirror or evoke the way my people danced, sung and spoke. Tyner provided that and still does in meaningful ways.” Makhathini also cites American jazz pianists including Andrew Hill, Randy Weston and Don Pullen as significant influences.

The Band: Nduduzo Makhathini – Piano | Zwelakhe Dumas Bell Le Pere – Bass | Francisco Mela – Drums

Cover: $80.00 | Dinner & Show

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